Unique Bed Skirts

Tailored Bed Skirt

Materials:

white sheets
1/2-inch ribbon
linen fabric
thread
pins
quilting ruler
air-soluble pen

Steps:

Measuring the panels

1. To create the panel between the mattress and box springs, which is known as the deck, use a white flat sheet. (Put the foot of the flat sheet at the head of the bed, so you don't have to finish the top seams) Round the bottom corners at the corner of the bed to match the rounded corners on the box springs.

2. For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the box springs and add 1/2 inch for the top seam and 1 inch for the bottom hem (allowing a 1/2 inch to press over and a 1/2-inch fold for the hem).

3. For the width, measure the two sides and the end of the bed. Add a 1-inch hem allowance for the sides on each panel.

4. Measure two under panels for the end corners of the bed to conceal the bed frame . Each piece should be approximately 12 inches wide, so start with 14 inches.

5. Cut out the panels; then press and pin the hems. Stitch the side and bottom hems.

Applying the Greek-key applique ribbon

1. Measure the length and height of each panel to determine the amount of ribbon required. Add an extra two feet for the Greek-key design.

2. Mark the ribbon placement with an air-soluble pen (figure A). Measure 2 inches from one side and pin the ribbon in place. Pin the ribbon down the side of the panel, placing the pins perpendicular to the ribbon (figure B).

3. About 4 inches above the hem, fold the ribbon under and to the right, parallel with the hem. Proceed to pin the ribbon across 4 inches, and again fold the hem up toward the unfinished edge. Pin up 2 inches, turn and fold to the left.

4. Pin the ribbon across 2 inches, and then fold it once again under and down towards the hem. Pin the ribbon in place about 2 inches until you reach 2 inches above the hem.

5. Continue turning the ribbon under and to the right and pin the ribbon across the bottom, 2 inches above the hem.

6. Pin the rest of the ribbon in place. The Greek-key design is done in reverse at the other end for a uniform design on each panel.

7. Topstitch along the edge of ribbon on both sides of ribbon stitching in same direction for a nice finish.

8. Pin the appliqued panels and the two underpanels to the deck (sheet).

9. Lay the panels on the box spring before sewing to ensure a perfect tailored fit. Sew the panels together.

Taffeta Bed Skirt

Materials:

white sheets
1/2-inch ribbon
taffeta fabric
thread
pins
gathering foot

Steps:

1. Begin by measuring the three side panels and cut out the pieces.

For the width, measure the two sides and end of the bed; multiply the width of each panel times two (For a 6-1/2-foot bed, the length of the taffeta fabric panel would be 13 feet for a full gathered effect; do the same for the width). Add 1 inch on each panel for the side hem.

For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the box spring and add a 1 /2-inch seam allowance to connect it to the deck.

To create the puddle look, add 3 inches to the height on all pieces. This will be turned under and sewn to a hidden flat under panel (figure C). The under panel needs to be cut shorter; it will hang about 2 inches above the floor. The under panel can be made of muslin or from the sides you cut off the flat sheet.

2. Sew two rows of gathering stitches for each of the panels and pull the bobbin thread to create the gathers (ruffles) (figure D). Match the taffeta top to the under panel for a perfect fit.

3. Pin and stitch the taffeta to the under panels.

4. Pin panels to the deck (sheet) and sew together.